Compassion in action

In the devastating aftermath of October 7, the Jewish community responded with an outpouring of chesed, of kindness. People around the world united in solidarity, compassion, and action.

One remarkable example of this compassion in action is Chesed for Israel, a grassroots initiative founded by Naomi Sugar, a U.S.-Israeli citizen based in Evanston. What started as a small WhatsApp group of just 10 friends quickly evolved into a global movement of over 330 members. The group has raised over $135,000, which has directly supported more than 60 grassroots efforts in Israel, reaching more than 10,000 individuals.

Behind the numbers are powerful success stories from the funded projects-each one a testament to how even small acts of kindness can make a big impact.

Preserving memories, honoring heroes

Created by Tamara Weisen, Remember with Letters honors fallen soldiers by gathering stories from those who served alongside them and preserving them in handwritten letters. Letters are placed in personalized boxes and given to the soldiers’ children.

Supporting the mothers left behind

When Shira Rottner Vladomirsky’s husband, a reservist in the Givati Brigade, was called up on October 7, she realized that soldiers’ families-especially mothers and children-were often left struggling. In response, she founded Warrior Mums of Israel, an initiative that offers everything from meals and care packages to toys, babysitting, holiday events, and even appliances for those in need.

“From Mother’s Day celebrations to emotional support evenings with massages and babysitting, families across Israel were overwhelmed by the generosity and love that came from complete strangers across the globe,” Vladomirsky said.

A Torah of remembrance and love

The ripple effects of chesed go beyond immediate needs-they can create eternal legacies. After Keshet Cassaroti Kalfa was murdered at the Nova Festival, his fiancée, Kedem Merioz, launched Zichron Brit HaKeshet, an initiative to honor his memory by writing a Torah scroll in his name and spreading his message of love. With help from Chesed for Israel, Merioz was able to raise funds to complete the Torah and host a dedication event on Keshet’s yahrzeit.

From grief to unity

Abbey Onn is an American-born Israeli whose relatives, the Dan and Kalderon families of Kibbutz Nir Oz, experienced unimaginable trauma: five were kidnapped by Hamas, two were murdered, and three were eventually freed in hostage deals.

Chesed for Israel stepped in to help, raising funds to support the family in their time of need, offering funds to help support their recovery. “Their support gave us strength during one of the darkest moments of our lives and helped to continue to fight for their father’s return from captivity,” Onn recalled.

Continuing the work of healing

Through every story, every act, and every donation, Chesed for Israel has proven that chesed is not just kindness-it is a force for healing, hope, and unity.

To learn more, email [email protected] . To join the Chesed for Israel community, visit tinyurl.com/Chesed4Israel.

Rena Grosser-a Judaic Atelierista and mother of three-is an Early Childhood Educator at Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School and has a background in art therapy.